Diamonds maintain unbeaten record

Before their match against Thunder Queens, Diamonds, who were tied on 18 points with Thunder, led the 10-team league on better basket difference but a hard-fought 53-49 victory means they are now three points ahead.

Nankhumwa prepares to kick the ball to mark the official launch

A great team performance, led by Alinafe Kamwala’s exceptional shooting prowess saw Diamonds move from a 13-13 draw in the first quarter to lead 29-24 and 38-31 in the subsequent segments. She was aided in attack by Jessie Mazengera-Sanudi and Eneles Mdezo with Bridget Kumwenda dominating in her central role; breaking up Thunder Queens’ game.

However, this does not mean Thunder Queens, who surprisingly featured their captain and renowned goal defender Joana Kachilika as goal-shooter and wing-attacker Thandie Galeta-Saenda as goalkeeper, were not up to the task.

They vehemently offered resistance to keep Diamonds’ attack in check. No wonder, with Emily Jere, Thoko Evans and Pilirani Msuka pulling the strings in the attack, they managed to reduce Diamonds’ lead by five baskets as the game petered out.

Diamonds are at the summit of the table with 21 points while Thunder Queens are second on 18 points. Tigresses beat Serenity Stars 56-46 to remain third with 16 points. Stars are fourth with 12 points.

In other games on Sunday, Chilomoni Sisters triumphed 41-37 over Shizaella Queens while Polytechnic Sisters and Young Professionals settled for a 28-28 draw. n